Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil,  thousands of men and women are received into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new members through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and at a liturgy bringing men and women into full communion with the Catholic Church.

R.C.I.A. Invitation

ARE YOU OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO...
  • Is of another faith or Christian denomination that has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?
  • Is an Adult who was not baptized?
  • Is an Adult who was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist?

If you know someone in the situation above (it may even be you), please consider contacting us to find out more about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).  Sessions run on Thursdays beginning September 15, 2016.  Time is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Call Laurie DeLuca at (860) 989-8526 or send an email to deluca1@comcast.net.  Please call or write, Jesus is calling YOU!

About R.C.I.A.

PictureThe Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of Hartford, with Catechumens of St. Augustine and St. Anne-Immaculate Conception Church, Hartford at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford
Since the days of the Apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey could be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements always had to be present: (1) the proclamation of the Word, (2) acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, (3) a profession of faith, (4) the Sacrament of Baptism itself, (5) the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and (6) admission to Eucharistic communion. (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1229)12. This initiation of believers into the Catholic Faith has varied greatly through the centuries according to circumstances. In the first centuries of the Church, Christian initiation saw considerable development. The entire RCIA process covered a long period of time. It included a series of "rites", these being liturgical landmarks along the path of preparing those who were never baptized and who wished to become Catholics. The process was completed when the Sacraments of Christian initiation were celebrated. (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1230)

The second Vatican Council's involvement consisted of restoring within the Church the "catechumenate for adults" (the several distinct steps of the entire RCIA process). The rites for these stages are to be found in the manual, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1232)

Today the Christian initiation of adults begins with their entry into the RCIA process and reaches its completion in a single celebration of the three Sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. [CF. AG 14; CIC, cann. 851; 865; 866] (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1233)15. Christian initiation is accomplished by three Sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ. (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1275)
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